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Kewanee council passes variances, permits and multiple code changes in Jan. 27 votes
Summary
At its Jan. 27 meeting the Kewanee City Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions — including a variance for a home at 830 Cole St., a special-use permit for a shelter at 716 Elliot St., a holiday-lights contract, repeal of pet licensing, multiple code amendments, an IAFF side letter and an Agreed Order resolving state concerns at the transfer station — mostly by 3-0 votes.
The Kewanee City Council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions at its Jan. 27 meeting, formally adopting zoning approvals, code changes and city contracts that city staff had brought forward after prior discussion.
Councilmember actions and outcomes included approval of Bill 25-02, granting a variance to Troy Currie at 830 Cole St. to permit a structure 4 feet, 4 inches higher than currently allowed (motion by Councilmember Faber, seconded by Councilmember Baker; motion passed 3-0). The council also approved Bill 25-03, granting a special-use permit to Freedom House Inc. for 716 Elliot St. so the organization may remodel the property to operate a shelter for domestic and sexual-abuse victims (motion by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Faber; motion passed 3-0).
Other approved items included a resolution authorizing a contract with Festive Fright Lights for installation, takedown and storage of city-owned holiday decorations (Bill 25-04; motion by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Faber; motion passed 3-0). An audience member, Adam Cernovich, asked why the council selected a three-year contract rather than a five-year option; City Clerk Kasey Mitchell said she recommended three years to retain flexibility with a new vendor.
The council approved a public-service agreement with the Friends of Woodland Palace at Francis Park for preservation of the Fred Francis home (Bill 25-05; motion by Councilmember Baker, seconded by Councilmember Faber; motion passed 3-0), an ordinance amending parking restrictions (Bill 25-06; motion by Councilmember Faber, seconded by Councilmember Baker; motion passed 3-0), and an ordinance repealing the pet-licensing requirement (Bill 25-07; motion by Councilmember Faber, seconded by Councilmember Baker; motion passed 3-0). Council also approved multi-chapter code amendments (Bill 25-08), updates to electrical regulations (Bill 25-09), a side letter to the collective-bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 513 (Bill 25-10), and authorization of an Agreed Order responding to alleged State of Illinois violations at the municipal transfer station (Bill 25-11); each passed by a recorded 3-0 vote.
Several items had been flagged for prior discussion; the council agreed to bring an ordinance to formally amend Chapter 153 (signs) back for a vote at a future meeting after Director of Community Development Keith Edwards summarized the proposed edits. The meeting concluded with council communications (Councilmember Faber asked City Manager Gary Bradley to inspect a sidewalk concern at Beach and Rockwell; Bradley said he would look at it this week) and adjournment at 8:17 p.m.
Votes at a glance: all listed agenda motions passed by the recorded tallies in the minutes (consent agenda and bill approvals generally 3-0; closed-session motions earlier in the evening recorded as 4-0 when Councilmember Colomer joined electronically).
